7th Oct 2024
Once there was a little duckling. He felt so small and alone. He was not like the others, who were bright and proud. Each day, he swam in the pond but felt out of place. His feathers were gray, which made him sad, and he wished to be glad.
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The other animals laughed at him and called him names. "Quack, quack, ugly duck!" they would say as they'd play. He tried to fit in, but every day was tough. The little duckling thought, "I am just not good enough."
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One day, he decided to leave the pond. He wandered away, searching for a friend. He walked and waddled, feeling so blue. "Why can’t I be like them?" he thought as he flew.
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As he traveled, he met a kind old swan. She looked at him gently and said, "Oh, dear child, you're not ugly. You're special inside! Just wait, just you wait, your beauty will shine."
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Days turned into weeks, and the little duckling grew. He flapped his new wings; they were strong and they flew! He gazed at the water and saw a reflection—a beautiful swan, his heart filled with affection.
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He spread his wide wings and looked at his form. The once ugly duckling was now graceful and warm. The other animals stared, their mouths open wide. They admired his beauty, no longer could they hide.
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The same ones who teased him, now cheered him with glee. "You are so lovely, come swim here with me!" But the ugly duckling had learned something true—being different is special, it made him, him, not you.
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With a heart full of joy and a spirit so light, he danced on the water, his wings took flight. No longer alone, he had found his own place. The little duckling was happy, full of grace.
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He returned to that pond where he once felt so small and told all the little ones, "Don't worry at all! You may feel different; just wait and you'll see, being yourself is the best way to be free!
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So when you feel lonely, just remember this tale. The ugly duckling found joy when he set out to sail. Embrace who you are, your heart will take flight, for being unique is what makes you bright!
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